Precise activation of C–C bonds for recycling and upcycling of plastics

Abstract

The rapid accumulation of plastic waste has led to a severe environmental crisis and a noticeable imbalance between manufacturing and recycling. Fortunately, chemical upgradation of plastic waste holds substantial promise for addressing these challenges posed by white pollution. During plastic upcycling and recycling, the key challenge is to activate and cleave the inert C–C bonds in plastic waste. Therefore, this perspective delves deeper into the upcycling and recycling of polyolefins from the angle of C–C activation–cleavage. We illustrate the importance of C–C bond activation in polyolefin depolymerization and integrate molecular-level catalysis, active site modulation, reaction networks and mechanisms to achieve precise activation–cleavage of C–C bonds. Notably, we draw potential inspiration from the accumulated wisdom of related fields, such as C–C bond activation in lignin chemistry, alkane dehydrogenation chemistry, C–Cl bond activation in CVOC removal, and C–H bond activation, to influence the landscape of plastic degradation through cross-disciplinary perspectives. Consequently, this perspective offers better insights into existing catalytic technologies and unveils new prospects for future advancements in recycling and upcycling of plastic.